Sony 240GB and 480GB CFexpress Type B TOUGH Memory Cards Announced

Storage Media

by Omri Keren LapidotMarch 26^th, 2024

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Sony is announcing two new CFexpress type B TOUGH memory cards. The new duo offers slightly faster maximum write speeds compared to Sony’s previous offers. The 250GB card will clock in at 1600 MB/s and the 480GB card ups that to 1750GB MB/s. Both cards provide an 1850 MB/s read speed to offload your data quickly and are robustly built to withstand the elements and day-to-day abrasion.

As better codecs and formats trickle down to various hybrid and cine cameras, better, faster, and more spacious memory cards are required. While most low to mid-range cameras can do with UHS-II SD cards, high-end hybrid cameras often require faster cards. CFexpress type B cards are probably the most common in the premium segment.

Ironically enough, it’s mostly the non-Sony crowd who will benefit from the new 240GB and 480GB TOUGH cards. Type B is absent from most of the Sony line, which opted for the more compact CFexpress type A for the hybrid Alpha line. But if you own a Canon R5, R5C, or R3, a FUJIFILM X-H2 or X-H2s, a Nikon Z 8 or Z 9, or a Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, these cards are worth your attention.

TOUGH build

As with all Sony’s TOUGH series, these cards are built to the highest physical standards. Resistant to bends, drops, X-rays, UV exposure, and extreme temperatures, the TOUGH duo operational range spans from -13 to 158°F / -25 to 70°C and the storage range goes as far as -40 to 185°F / -40 to 85°C. Sony makes many claims regarding the cards’ rigidity but I couldn’t find any verified information about weather resistance. While most cards are pretty sturdy and don’t usually go out in harsh conditions, bear this in mind.

High speed

The new CFexpress type B TOUGH duo boasts impressively high read/write speeds. This is the case with most CFexpress cards, but those two are fast even compared with this segment. PCIe 3.0 x2 Bus helps bring the max write speed of the 240GB and the 480GB to 1600 MB/s and 1750 MB/s respectively. While no minimum writing speed is specified, it seems that these cards will handle rather extreme requirements. Read speed is also on the high side at 1850 MB/s for the fastest data offloads. While more relevant for high-end video, these specs will also help stills photographers, especially with the recent crop of high-res / high-speed flagships like the Sony a1, Leica SL3, etc.

Alternatives

Memory card alternatives are naturally numerous, and CFexpress type B has been a standard for premium memory cards for quite a while, so many of these are readily available. These two new cards face rather stiff competition from the likes of Sandisk and Pro Grade, both offering competitive pricing and specs. The ProGrade 512GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold offers higher speeds with a max write speed of 3000 MB/s and a min write speed of 2400 MB/s. It’s also significantly more affordable at $179. Sandisk also offers its 512 Extreme PRO CFexpress option for $139, but it’s a slightly slower card compared with Sony’s current TOUGH duo with a max write speed of 1400 MB/s. The Sandisk card is also on sale as this article is published, so pricing may vary depending on the time of reading. Both the Pro Grade and Sandisk cards aren’t tested to the same extreme conditions as the TOUGH series. While memory cards are relatively resilient compared with other filmmaking gear, Sony went the extra mile with the TOUGH series.

Price and availability

Both cards are available for preorder with expected shipping on May 9th-10th. The 240GB version will be priced at $200 while the larger 480GB will set you back $320, a better price-capacity ratio.

Will you opt for such fast cards for your next video production? Are such speeds overkill, or would you rather use the more efficient external recording options? Let us know in the comments.